The Clark Howard Podcast

Passwords. There’s got to be a better way. Clark discusses the password problem and security key solution, including the passkey system from Google. Also - Memorial Day weekend begins tomorrow kicking off what looks to be the busiest summer travel season ever. Clark has advice for both road and air travel, including ways to save on today’s higher airfares. Security Keys VS Passwords: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Summer Travel Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Hate passwords? You're in luck - Google is sidelining them Security Key Series | YubiKeys | Yubico - Security Key Series Fidelity Rewards Credit Card Review: Invest with 2% Cash Back Clark.com: Best Rewards Credit Cards / Best Credit Cards for Investing Rewards Brace yourselves, travelers: This summer could be ‘one for the record books’ US airlines thrown a curveball as consumer habits change post-pandemic Travel Archives - Clark Howard /  Clark.com - Save on Airfare Clark.com Top Travel Deals / Clark Deals - TRAVEL Airline Customer Service Dashboard Fly Rights | US Department of Transportation Life at Sea Cruises    Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As parts of the economy emerge from inflation, post pandemic conditions remain rough for retailers and that means discounts to attract buyers. Every form of discounting is going on, including on some of life’s necessities. Be on the lookout for lower prices & special offers. Also today, a cautionary tale about a senior scammed out of millions, right under the nose of his bank and credit union. What is the responsibility of financial institutions, families and loved ones to protect the life savings of our vulnerable elders? Happy Deals Are Here Again: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Our Mission Must Be Elder Fraud Prevention: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Barrons.com: Retailers Ramp Up Discounts to Try to Bring In Shoppers CLARK DEALS - Deals You Can Trust 7 Things on Deep Discount in May Life Insurance Archives - Clark Howard An elderly man was scammed out of millions. Could the bank have done more to prevent fraud? - from USA TODAY Why Structured Notes Might Not Be Right for You What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Why hitting the lottery could leave you broke Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They advertise on billboards, roadside signs and in media - real estate companies that specialize in distressed properties. Should you ever consider giving them a call? Like any industry, there are both legit and crooked players in the real estate investment game as cash home buyers. A Clark Smart Warning includes a reminder to watch over our vulnerable senior loved ones. Also, half of Americans with paid vacation don’t use it all! Clark speaks to this unspeakable stat, with a directive for you.  Unethical Real Estate Investors: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 ALL Your Vacation Time!: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show The Ugly Truth Behind “We Buy Ugly Houses” Five Stories of Lives Upended After Dealing With the “We Buy Ugly Houses” Company [The Washington Post] The mystery of the disappearing vacation day Less Than Half of US Workers Use All Their Vacation Days Clark.com-Timeshares / Timeshare Users Group / Vacatia Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding How To Manage Your Monthly Subscriptions To Save Money 7 Types of Subscriptions You May Want To Cancel Today Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark has a personal health update and some solid advice for others, specifically men, about how to advocate for and guard your most valuable asset: your health. Also, the unofficial start of summer is upon us, and buried under negative headlines is great news about gas prices and energy costs in the coming months.  Protecting Men’s Health: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Summer Energy Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Clark Howard and the Prostate Cancer Foundation NYTimes: Too Many Older Men Are Still Screened for Prostate Cancer [The Washington Post] A silent crisis in men’s health gets worse Before you believe addiction or cancer claims, read this Why melanoma is so deadly for men, and why it doesn’t have to be Home Title Lock: Is It the Same As Home Title Insurance? Clark.com: What Is Owner’s Title Insurance and Do You Need It? How and When To Cancel a Credit Card Why You Should Keep Old Credit Card Accounts Open American Drivers Are Last Hope for Global Fuelmakers Ahead of Tenuous Travel Season What Is a Thrift Savings Plan? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode, recall Clark’s enthusiasm for his portable carbon monoxide detector, great for travel. New data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows carbon monoxide deaths are rising in residential settings. Find out why this is happening and your quick fix against this silent killer.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Essential Safety: CO Detectors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How To Open a Roth IRA The $10 Travel Essential Clark Howard Always Packs Consumer Product Safety Commission report shows upward trend in carbon monoxide fatalities Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and save lives 6 Steps To Eliminate Credit Card Debt in 3 Years or Less Clark.com - Credit Card Debt Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2023 How To Do a Balance Transfer the Right Way Is a robot lawn mower worth it in 2023? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurs make the world go round and as the job market transforms, many decide to start their own business, which may include holding a franchise. Clark has specific, must-do, key rules for those considering becoming a franchisee. Another big life decision - getting engaged. Turns out after the post pandemic wedding surge, engagements rates are down. This presents a marketplace opportunity for future newlyweds.  Key Rules For Aspiring Franchisees: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Otherwise Engaged - Diamond Deals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Franchise ownership: Is it right for you? Franchise Fundamentals: Debunking five myths about buying a franchise The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home Should I Turn To Costco for a Home Renovation Project? Best Online Will Maker: 5 Free or Cheap Options Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions Curb | Low-Cost, On-Demand Rides - GoCurb.com Engagement ring sales are down sharply, according to America’s biggest jeweler 7 Places to Get the Best Deals on Lab-Created Diamonds Is there a limit on how much my mortgage lender can make me pay into an escrow account for interest and taxes? About ASE - Automotive Service Excellence Retailers return fees — and how you can avoid them. Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the controversial advent of generative AI so heavily reported, Clark shares good news about AI automation being used to improve food services. Also today, TV and general repair shops vanished long ago, and thus began a slow building, global movement to fix broken items. If you need help beyond YouTube videos to fix electronics and other items, be aware of Repair Cafés. Automated Food Service: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Repair Cafes Promote Sustainability: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Carl's Jr. and Hardee's to roll out A.I. drive-thru ordering nationwide This company adopted AI. Here's what happened to its human workers Best 529 College Savings Plans By State Future Scholar: South Carolina’s 529 Savings Plan Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2023 Wirecutter: How to Get Your Broken Stuff Fixed for Free Repair Café International Foundation’s map What Is a Credit Union?   Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Schwab: Which Brokerage Is Best? Target Date Funds: Clark's Favorite Retirement Investment Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark shares good news on the summer travel front including more fee disclosure from hotels, and big improvements from Airbnb. Also today - a special warning about a medical payment method to be avoided.  Hotel & Airbnb News: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Paying For Medical Services: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show How to book travel on Priceline Find Out What Priceline or Hotwire Hotel You’re Getting Before You Book Marriott just blinked on those nasty resort fees / ResortFeeChecker. Airbnb Revamps Site to Ease Tensions Between Guests, Hosts At. Freaking. Last. Airbnb is fixing its core design problems, says CEO Brian Chesky Airbnb is going back to its apartment-sharing roots with Rooms amid tighter regulation Do You Get Better Prices on Hotels From Third-Party Sites or by Booking Directly? Where You Should (and Should Not) Book Your Next Vacation Beware of twist on third party airline ticket booking scam Do Not Give Your Social Security Number at These Places Wise Official Website - Wise.com / About Money Transfer GB | Revolut Biden administration warns consumers to avoid medical credit cards Should You Pay for Credit Monitoring? How to Freeze Your Child's Credit As Used-Car Prices Surge, Consider Fixing the Car You Already Own Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With bank failures eroding public confidence, Clark has an update on how to protect money beyond the FDIC insurance limit. Also today, inflation’s effect on proms and weddings, and ways to stretch your dollars for special events.  FDIC Insurance: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Special Event Costs: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show Nearly half of Americans are nervous about their money in the bank, Gallup survey finds Get Peace of Mind for Large Cash Balances with ICS & CDARS Are Money Market Funds a Safe Place To Stash My Savings? Donor-Advised Funds: The Benefits and Drawbacks How to Set up a Backdoor Roth IRA Clark.com - How To Sell A Car Prom price index shows cost of celebration is getting relatively cheaper – even at a time of high inflation Clark Howard's Guide to Saving Money on Your Wedding The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine Turning 26: Health Insurance Guide for Those Aging Off Their Parents’ Plan How To Store Your Important Financial Documents Online How to Make a Disposable Razor Last 12 Months Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, lost luggage is always a problem, and a growing one in the cruise industry. If you insist on checking luggage, Clark has advice for packing your carry on bag including a NEVER EVER rule, so things go easier if your luggage goes MIA.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Carry On Rules If Checking Luggage: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show 5 Reasons Why Clark Howard Hates Big Banks Where Should I Look for a Great Deal on a Cruise in 2023? Best Credit Cards for Students: Top Picks for 2023 Consumer Reports’ best sunscreen of 2023 is only $5 from Walmart Welcome to the FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) Should Uninsured Deposits Get a Warning Label? The era of free returns may be coming to an end. Why retailers are charging return fees — and how to avoid them. Lost Luggage a Growing Problem for Cruise Ship Passengers Pirate Ship Review: Pros & Cons of This Cheap Shipping Service Clark.com - Weddings Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices